Stana Katic and Tamala Jones out if “Castle” gets renewed for 9th season

Can there be Castle without Kate Beckett? Apparently the new powers that be at ABC think so. It was reported today by Deadline that if Castle gets renewed for a ninth season (probably a shortened 13-episodes), series star Stana Katic will not be part of it.

According to ABC these are cost cutting measures as the show has been down to record lows this season, barely hitting a 1.0 in the 18-49 demographic and ranging from 6-7 million viewers a week, compared to around a 1.5 in the 18-49 and 8-9 million viewers per week.

In a statement Katic said, “Rather then distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I’m very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show. Thank you to the fans.”

Also gone is Tamala Jones, who played Medical Examiner Lanie Parish since the start of the series.

ABC released a statement saying, “Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series Castle for the past 8 years. We are grateful for Stana Katic’s talent and dedication to the series and we hope to continue our relationship,” ABC released in a statement to Deadline. “Tamala Jones has also been an integral part of the series and we are grateful she was a part of Castle.”

Castle still has to be renewed for its ninth season, and with the creative shakeup the series has taken this year with less than stellar response, the series could still end after its current season.

What do you think Castle fans? Is there a series without Beckett? Sound off below.